Dietary Intake of Beta Cryptoxanthin, but not Other Carotenoids, Is Associated With Less Frequent Anxiety Symptoms in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2007 Through 2012

Abstract

Background

Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders. Carotenoids are a group of liposoluble bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. Few studies have tested associations between intake of carotenoids from dietary sources and anxiety symptoms.

Objective

To assess associations between intake of common dietary carotenoids—alpha carotene, beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin—derived from 2 24-hour recalls and frequency of self-reported anxiety symptoms.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted of the US population from the 2007 through 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.

Participants/setting

Nonpregnant adults aged 20 years and older with complete data on dietary intake, frequency of anxiety symptoms, and covariates were included (n = 11 846).

Main outcome measure

Frequency of anxiety symptoms (feeling worried, tense, or anxious during the past 30 days) occurring for ≥75% of the past 30 days (≥23 days) vs less often.

Statistical analyses performed

Multivariable logistic regression estimated associations between intake of each carotenoid, in quartiles, and frequency of anxiety symptoms. Covariates included age, gender, education, marital status, family income-to-poverty ratio, energy intake, smoking, history of hypertension and diabetes, and intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins B6, C, and E, and magnesium.

Results

Intakes in the highest quartile of alpha carotene (odds ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.85), beta carotene (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.85), beta cryptoxanthin (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.71), and lutein/zeaxanthin (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.93) were associated with lower odds of anxiety symptoms for ≥75% of the past month, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. After adjusting for behavioral and dietary variables, only beta cryptoxanthin intake (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.83) was associated with the frequency of anxiety symptoms. Findings were similar using other thresholds for anxiety symptoms (>50% or 100% of past month).

Conclusions

Among US adults from 2007 through 2012, a higher intake of beta cryptoxanthin was associated with less frequent anxiety symptoms.